Mountain Camping in New Mexico

Mountain Camping in New Mexico

Discover the best mountain camping across New Mexico. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: Year-round
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Rio De Las Vacas Campground
Star
4.7
(204)
Rio De Las Vacas Campground
Cuba
Santa Fe National Forest

Dramatic Jemez Mountain peaks tower above this creek-side sanctuary, where ponderosa pines frame sweeping alpine vistas and wildflower meadows stretch toward rugged wilderness horizons.

Tents
RVs
2
Clear Creek Campground (Nm)
Star
4.7
(218)
Clear Creek Campground (Nm)
Cuba
Santa Fe National Forest

Towering ponderosa pines frame sweeping forest vistas in the Jemez Mountains, where elevation brings cool mountain air and cathedral-like canopies that transform this canyon into a verdant sanctuary.

Tents
RVs
3
Juniper Campground (Nm)
Star
4.8
(203)
Juniper Campground (Nm)
Los Alamos
Bandelier National Monument

Perched on the Pajarito Plateau at 7,000 feet, this campground delivers sweeping views of the Jemez Mountains while juniper-scented trails wind through dramatic canyons carved into volcanic rock.

Tents
RVs

About Mountain Camping in New Mexico

Mountain camping in New Mexico offers an extraordinary high-elevation escape across some of the Southwest's most diverse and dramatic alpine landscapes. From the volcanic peaks of the Jemez Mountains to the towering Sacramento Range, New Mexico's mountain campgrounds provide access to pristine wilderness, cool summer temperatures, and breathtaking vistas that stretch across desert basins to distant horizons.

Best Time

Late May through September offers the prime window for mountain camping in New Mexico, with peak season running from mid-June through August when all high-elevation campgrounds are accessible and temperatures are most comfortable. Summer brings daytime highs in the 70s and 80s at elevation, with cool nights dipping into the 40s and 50s—perfect for campfire weather.

Scenery Highlights

  • Stunning mountain panoramas
  • Cool alpine temperatures
  • Alpine lakes and meadows
  • World-class hiking trails

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Mountain Camping in New Mexico

Map of campgrounds near Mountain Camping in New Mexico
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Map Key
1
Rio De Las Vacas Campground
2
Clear Creek Campground (Nm)
3
Juniper Campground (Nm)
4
Echo Campground
5
Paliza
6
Upper Fir Group Area
7
Jacks Creek Group Area
8
Cowles Campground
9
Mesa Campground
10
Three Rivers Campground
11
Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
12
Apache Creek Campground
13
Black Bear Group Area
14
South Fork Campground
15
Iron Creek Campground
16
Dipping Vat Campground
17
La Junta Canyon
18
Rio Chama Campground
19
Aspen Group Area (Lincoln National Forest, Nm)
20
Mccrystal Campground
View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Hiking through ponderosa pine forests and alpine meadowsTrout fishing in mountain streams and high-elevation lakesWildlife viewing including elk, mule deer, black bears, and wild turkeysPhotography of dramatic cliff formations and sunset vistasMountain biking on forest service roads and designated trailsExploring ancient pueblo ruins and petroglyphs at Bandelier

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular mountain campgrounds like Clear Creek and Echo Campground well in advance through Recreation.gov, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods, as these premier sites fill quickly.
  • 2Bring layers and cold-weather sleeping gear regardless of season—mountain temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees from day to night, and afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly during monsoon season with dramatic temperature drops.
  • 3A high-quality rain fly and waterproof gear are essential from July through September.
  • 4Pack extra water or bring filtration systems, as not all mountain campgrounds provide potable water, and treat all natural sources before drinking.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Mountain Camping in New Mexico

Mountain Camping in New Mexico FAQ

We've ranked 20+ mountain campgrounds in New Mexico based on elevation, scenery, and access to trails. Top options offer stunning alpine views and cool summer temperatures.
Mountain camping in New Mexico requires preparation for cooler temperatures and changing weather. Bring layers, be prepared for afternoon storms, and allow time for altitude acclimation at higher elevations.
Mountain camping season in New Mexico typically runs June through September, though lower elevations may be accessible earlier. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July.
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